July 4th Lake Forest Parade

The Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks #2444 Elks participated in the City of Lake Forest July 4th Parade “Let Freedom Ring” for the seventh year. Over eighty members and guests joined us in the Summer heat to represent our lodge in the Saddleback Valley area. As the Elks began to line-up and prepare for the start, event promoters mentioned to event Chairman and Lecturing Knight, Dave McLeod PER, that Mission Viejo Elks had the largest participation in the Lake Forest Parade this year. “I would like to thank the City of Lake Forest for supporting the community with the parade every year. The Elks look forward to being involved each year and seeing the thousands and thousands of families lining the streets,” stated Past Lodge President, Dave McLeod PER.

Our veterans, members, and friends began to show-up at 8.30 am to decorate the MV Elks float, prepare the vehicles that veterans would ride in and to make sure that “Big John”, the antique firetruck was buffed, shiny and ready to go. The Boy Scouts from Troop 603 led our precession carrying the MV Elks banner and the American Flag. Past District Deputy Harvey Boelts, retired Laguna Beach Fire Captain, drove the firetruck “Big John”, Leading Knight Mike Klinger towed a trailer decorated with flags and
streamers with Elk members sitting atop hay bales and the Mayor of Mission Viejo, Wendy Bucknum, sported herself on top of lodge Trustee Basia Bills Corvette. Rounding out the Elks parade entry were vehicles carrying veterans and members followed by the chase car driven by Stephanie Bongartz who donated all the parade decorations, drinking water and light snacks that were needed on a hot day.

(above) Everyone loves a parade!

(below) Some Elks were treated to first-class accommodations
Thank you to all the Mission Viejo Elks and friends that joined us this year in the Parade and made our participation a success. And most of all to the Elks that walked the parade route handing out American Flags, stickers, toys and “bouncy balls” to all the kids, thus encouraging our motto “Elks Care, Elks Share”.
Mission Viejo Mayor, Wendy Bucknum, with Trustee Basia Bills and event chairman Dave McLeod, PER